Ms. ABAC 2024 Jenna Williams being crowned by Ms. ABAC 2023 Emily Groat. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Ms. ABAC 2023 Emily Groat and Ms. ABAC 2024 Jenna Williams pose together following Williams crowning. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Jenna Williams wipes tears from her eyes following her crowning as Ms. ABAC 2024. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Friends and loved ones gather to take photos of the newly crowned Ms. ABAC. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Final placements pose together. (L to R) Jordan Hurley 4th runner-up, Jazzmyn Armstrong 2nd runner-up, Ms. ABAC 2024 Jenna Williams, 1st runner-up MaKayla Huttinger, 3rd runner-up Kamren Yaughn. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Top Ten Finalists preparing for their on-stage question. (L to R) Jenna Williams, Jazzmyn Armstrong, Carson Carter, Savannah Beasley, Chaney Hogan, Aubrey Kinard, MaKayla Huttinger, Kamren Yaughn, Carsen Carter, and Jordan Hurley. Photo by Kobe Ross. 
Ms. ABAC 2024 Jenna Williams poses with Mr. ABAC Colton Peacock. Photo by Kobe Ross.
Jenna Williams, a pre-professional biology major from Douglas, GA., has been crowned the winner of the school’s 54th annual Ms. ABAC pageant. The event was hosted by the ABAC’s Agripreneurs club.
“It’s amazing to me, and definitely not what I was expecting,” Williams said. “We all come trying to compete for the crown but really, I was here for the experience and the memories that I got from the whole pageant experience. It was just an amazing honor to be chosen for Ms. ABAC. I’m thankful for God giving me the opportunity here, my amazing family and friends that always come out and support me, and all these amazing girls in this process.”
Response immediately following her crowning.
Chris Beckham acted as the Master of Ceremonies, providing commentary and information about each of the 20 contestants.
Judges for the event were Carolyn Ellis, founded of Tifton’s Carolyn Ellis School of Dance; Paula Jane Lewis, an alumna who was recently crowned 2023 Georgia Mrs. United States Agriculture; and Kristen Card Smith, Ms. ABAC 2014
With a score from each of the three judges, contestants were eligible to receive up to a total of 150 points. Prior to the pageant, contestants participated in an essay writing portion (worth up 10 points per judge). The afternoon of the pageant, contestants participated in an interview portion (worth up to 15 points) where they were judged on appearance, communication skills, and knowledge of self and surroundings.
The night’s events began with the contestants performing a choreographed dance number set to “9 to 5″ by country artist Dolly Parton. The contest officially started with the casual lead out portion (worth up to 15 points), where contestants briefly introduced themselves and their sponsors while donning their casual attire.
After having a chance to go backstage and change, they returned for the formal lead out portion (worth up to 15 points) in their formal attire. Chris Beckham read out goal aspirations and facts about the contestants as they had a chance to come out one by one while utilizing both sides of the stage.
During intermission, attendees were provided with the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award through financial donations in decorated money boxes crafted by the contestants. The top 10 finalists were announced after their return to the stage. The final event consisted of the on-stage question portion (worth up to 5 points). Each contestant selected a question from a bowl, with a moment to produce an answer. The questions were about topics such as what traits Ms. ABAC should value, how could they improve the school, and what their idea of success meant.
After the final stage of the competition, the contestants returned backstage while the judges tallied up their schools. Emily Groat, who who was crowned Ms. ABAC 2023, appeared on stage donning her formal wear, sash, and crown that she wore on the night that she won. She presented a speech about her time as Ms. ABAC before passing the crown to the next 1st place winner, Jenna Williams.
“While I am so sad to pass on the title of Ms. ABAC, I am even more excited for Jenna!,” Groat said. I have gotten to know Jenna over the past year and I can confidently say green and gold runs through her veins. The moment they announced #13, my heart overflowed with joy and excitement for her!”
- Ms. ABAC 2024 – Jenna Williams
- 1st Runner-Up – MaKayla Huttinger
- 2nd Runner-Up – Jazzmyn Armstrong
- 3rd Runner-Up – Kamren Yaughn
- 4th Runner-Up – Jordan Hurley
- Ms. Congeniality – Kamren Yaughn
- Essay Winner – Kamren Yaughn
- Interview Winner – MaKayla Huttinger
- People’s Choice Award – Chaney Hogan
Other top 10 finalists: Carson Carter, Savannah Beasley, Carsen Carter, Jordan Hurley, Aubrey Kinard.
The proceeds raised during the fundraising part of the event are set to go to the Pregnancy Care Center of Tiftarea, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving pregnant at-risk women in the community.